Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Concentration (m/v)
Concentration by mass/volume (m/v) is a way to express the amount of solute in a solution. It is calculated as the mass of the solute (in grams) per 100 mL of solution. In this case, a 0.40% (m/v) solution means there are 0.40 grams of nalorphine in 100 mL of solution, which is essential for determining how much solution is needed to achieve a specific dose.
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Dosage Calculation
Dosage calculation involves determining the volume of a solution required to deliver a specific amount of active ingredient. To find the volume needed for a dose of 1.5 mg of nalorphine from a 0.40% solution, one must convert the dose into grams and then use the concentration to find the corresponding volume. This is a critical step in ensuring accurate medication administration.
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Unit Conversion
Unit conversion is the process of converting one unit of measurement to another, which is often necessary in pharmacology. In this scenario, converting milligrams to grams (1.5 mg = 0.0015 g) is essential for aligning the dosage with the concentration expressed in grams per 100 mL. Mastery of unit conversion is vital for accurate calculations in medical dosing.
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